Alcohol

This e-learning resource aims to build motivation and capability in skills, knowledge and positive attitude to the management of alcohol use and subsequent disorders. Learners will understand the effects and harms caused by alcohol use and the treatment options available to patients, thereby reducing harm experienced.

Alcohol e-learning module is designed to improve a medical practitioner’s knowledge and confidence about alcohol; assessment and management of withdrawal and other alcohol-related conditions. Alcohol is a socially acceptable and legal substance, however harms from alcohol use continue to rise. Latest national data indicates that alcohol was responsible for 4.6% of the total burden of disease and injuries. Alcohol is linked with more than 200 chronic diseases and up to 50% of people who consumed alcohol in the last 12 months experiencing at least one adverse alcohol-related problem during their lifetime. Compared with other chronic conditions or lifestyle diseases, the detection and management of alcohol use disorders compares poorly, with statistics indicating that physicians were only able to identify under 1/3 of all alcohol use disorders. There is also evidence that even brief intervention and management by medical practitioners reduces alcohol consumption and its resultant harms.

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

• Communication is clear, respectful, empathic and appropriate to the person and their sociocultural context

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

• Diagnosis and management is evidence-based and relevant to the needs of the patient

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

• The patterns and prevalence of disease are incorporated into screening and management practices

D4. Professional and ethical role

• Professional knowledge and skills are reviewed and developed

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

• Adult health
• Addiction medicine